In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the UK’s drinking culture. More and more people are choosing to cut back—or cut out—alcohol entirely. Around 20% of UK adults now don’t drink and that number is growing. In response, there’s been a wave of innovation in the non- and low-alcohol category and the quality keeps improving.

However, not everyone is quitting alcohol—and that’s not going to change anytime soon. By 2030, most UK adults are still expected to drink, but with more intention. People aren’t just drinking less—they’re drinking better, seeking quality, craftsmanship and ingredients they can trust.

As a cocktail bartender with over 20 years of experience, Ryu has always loved making cocktails. He believes alcohol can be part of a joyful, balanced life. He also knows that the industry can create more health-forward alcoholic drinks. There has been some progress in the industry with lower sugar and lower calorie drinks, but real innovation is lacking.

One major reason may lie in regulation: in the UK, alcohol brands legally can’t promote any health, wellness, or nutritional benefits. That keeps most brands reluctant to explore “better-for-you” alcoholic options.

So, he decided to step into this overlooked gap. Having worked in some of the best bars in Tokyo and London, he knew he could create great cocktails with a more conscious approach, using a drink he has always loved: Tea.

Growing up in Japan and later living in the UK, tea has always been part of his life. He drinks various teas every day. It energises him, helps him focus, calms him down and gives him moments of pause. At some point, he realised he didn’t just love tea—he needed it. That’s when Wicker Basket was born.

Wicker Basket was created from three things he cares deeply about:

• Taste comes first: He makes drinks that taste good.

• Tea at the Heart: Expertly crafted to capture the pure essence of tea. Inspired by diverse tea cultures.

• Natural: He dislikes chemical flavours in food or drink.

Whether or not the drink can make health or wellness claims isn’t something he focuses on. For him, it’s about bringing his passions together to create a drink that tastes exceptional and is as close to ‘better-for-you’ as possible, using what he knows best.

It’s his way of contributing to a new kind of drinking culture—one that values quality, balance, and genuine enjoyment.